Written by CrewPass

The yachting world is often seen as a glamorous and adventurous industry, but behind the glitz lies a challenging reality: ensuring safety, professionalism, and harmony onboard. While references and certifications are valuable, they are not the full story when it comes to assessing a crew member’s suitability.

This raises an important question: how do we create safer and more professional working environments?

The Hidden Risks Behind References

References, while helpful, can sometimes be misleading. They are subjective and, unfortunately, in some cases, falsified. People often choose someone they’re friendly with—someone who is likely to give them the best references—rather than someone who might provide an objective evaluation. Certificates and qualifications show a level of skill, but they don’t reveal deeper issues such as past behavioral problems, criminal records, or tendencies that might jeopardize onboard safety.

The reality is that while most crew are hardworking professionals, incidents of theft, substance abuse, or interpersonal conflicts do occur—and these can have serious consequences in the confined and high-pressure environment of a yacht.

Why Background Checks Are the Missing Piece

In industries like aviation, healthcare, and education, background checks are a given. Yachting, with its unique challenges and high stakes, , and the reality of working in confined spaces, should be no different. A verified background check ensures that:

• Criminal records are addressed, reducing risks of onboard incidents.

• Owners, captains, and agencies can make informed hiring decisions.

• Crew members work in environments with higher trust and transparency.

• Certificates are validated to ensure they are up-to-date, authentic, and compliant, eliminating the risk of relying on expired or falsified qualifications.

This comprehensive approach gives employers the confidence that their crew is not only skilled but also trustworthy and verified professionals.

Consider the numbers:

• 66% of female crew members reported experiencing harassment or intimidation from male colleagues.

• Only 13% of women harassed onboard felt empowered to report the incidents, and just 7% were satisfied with the outcomes.

• 38% of crew members reported experiencing unwanted physical contact while working onboard.

• 80% of harassment cases involved male perpetrators, though some incidents also included female perpetrators.

(Source: WISTA International, Anglo Eastern, ISWAN, and ICS survey)

These statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive background checks to create safer and more professional environments in the yachting industry.

More Than a Requirement: A Badge of Credibility

Verification isn’t just about ticking a box or adding another expense to your list—it’s an investment in your career and professional reputation. For crew members, being verified demonstrates a commitment to safety, integrity, and professionalism. It shows that you are willing to go beyond the minimum to build trust with employers, agencies, and colleagues.

For captains and owners, hiring verified crew reduces risks, increases efficiency during recruitment, and helps create a safer onboard atmosphere.

A Step Toward Industry Transformation

Background checks are part of a larger effort to make the yachting industry better and stronger. By adopting higher standards, we’re collectively working toward safer, more harmonious, and professional workplaces for everyone.

While change can initially feel inconvenient, this shift is an opportunity to raise the bar for the entire industry—making it better for both crew and employers alike.

How to Stay Ahead

As the yachting industry evolves, staying ahead of these changes is key. Many job postings now require verified crew, making it an essential addition to your CV. Beyond compliance, it positions you as a professional who values transparency and safety—a quality that’s increasingly sought after.

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About CrewPass
CrewPass is the leading platform for conducting thorough criminal background checks for yacht crew, ensuring a safer and more transparent industry for vessels, crew, and agencies worldwide. In an industry where trust is paramount, verifying the integrity and professionalism of crew members is critical to safeguarding both individuals and assets.

CrewPass’s mission is to foster trust and security in the superyacht industry. Prioritising criminal background checks alongside advanced digital features supports safer hiring practices and promotes confidence across the sector.

To learn more about how background checks can help improve safety and professionalism onboard, visit CrewPass for more information.